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Vista Congressman Darrell Issa received a "dishonorable mention" Wednesday on a list of the most corrupt lawmakers published Wednesday by a Washington D.C. advocacy organization that he criticized as a liberal interest group.

The Republican lawmaker was targeted by Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington for placing information from a sealed wiretap into the congressional record earlier this year.

Twenty members of Congress -- 12 Republicans and seven Democrats -- were singled out for what CREW said was unethical or illegal behavior over the past year. Eight of those, including Issa, received the dishonorable mention citations.

“Rep. Issa not only pursued a politically motivated witch hunt against Attorney General Eric Holder, he broke the law while doing it,” said CREW executive director Melanie Sloan.

“Nothing better illustrates the American people’s disgust with Congress than a member like Rep. Issa, who claims to defend the law but then places himself above it to suit his political agenda,” she said.

Issa spokesman Frederick Hill said the allegation already was examined independently and found to be unwarranted.

“CREW is engaging in this sad and discredited exercise as part of a clear effort to attract more wealthy liberal donors who make undisclosed donations in exchange for attacks on political opponents,” Hill said.

As chairman of the House Oversight Committee, Issa directed an investigation into Operation Fast and Furious, a failed Justice Department program that sought to stem the flow of guns into Mexico.

As part of that review, Issa placed a letter into the Congressional Record that included details of a 2010 wiretap application filed by federal agents with the U.S. Department of Justice. The supporting affidavit — sealed by a judge — spells out how hundreds of guns were illegally transported into Mexico, according to the CREW complaint.

The House of Representatives ultimately voted to hold Attorney General Eric Holder in contempt.